Los Angeles Lakers Preview - Season 2007-08

There are always high expectations for the Los Angeles Lakers to perform great in both the Off-season and regular season. The Lakers were decent during the regular season, creeping in the last playoff spots of the post-season. They Lakers were dusted off by the Phoenix Suns in the 1^st round of the playoffs and went back home disappointed.

Since then, the Los Angeles Lakers have not made any major decisions for their franchise. This has angered both Kobe Bryant and many Laker fans as well. The Lakers passed up on a great opportunity to receive Jason Kidd in exchange of Andrew Bynum, however, the Lakers believe that Bynum will be a dominant force in the future. Whatever with the case, the Lakers will have to perform good and soon, or they're could be some major changes, including the trading of Kobe to the New York Knicks.

Off Season Moves

The Lakers made one off-season move and addressed the weakness of their point guard position. They brought back Derek Fisher. Sure Derek is not the dominant defensive presence that he was back in his prime, however, he can bring in a good deal of leadership and outside shooting as well.

There were many problems with point guards last year that included Smush's ability to run the Laker offense, fight through defensive screens, and playing basic defense. Jordan Farmar was brought in as the starting point guard in the playoffs because of his ability to play defense. Derek Fisher is a great addition to the team, however, the Lakers need a plethora of big moves before they even begin thinking about championship.

Strengths

As well all know, the Lakers have Kobe. Kobe is one of the best players in the history of the NBA. The praises can go on, his ability to score at will, versatility, will to win, and his underrated defensive play. Kobe Bryant needs somebody else to step up. Lamar Odom is an incredible talent, with a great figure that can prove to be a dominant force. The thing wrong with Lamar Odom is that he does not have the superstar instincts that is required in order to soar above the rest of the herd. Lamar Odom always has had potential to be great, and even does now, but he will have to take a stride from becoming good to becoming great.

What Needs Improvement

There are a number of things that need improvement, which includes team defense. The Lakers gave up as much points as they scored last year. This will invevitably equate to a .500 record, which is what the Lakers were revolving around last year. Mediocrity is not a part of the Lakers, and should not be now. They will have to make a great deal of adjusments so that they will have the ability to stop teams from scoring easy baskets.

Andrew Bynum really needs to step up his game. Sure, he has potential, but I've seen 10 year olds with potential as well. The problem is, these 10 year olds have another decade to become great basketball players. Andrew Bynum has several weeks to become a good player. He really needs to have a break-out year, and prove that the Lakers move of passing up the trade with Jason Kidd and Andrew Bynum was a wise one. With improved play from Andrew, the Lakers will be a force to be reckoned with.

Team Needs to Stay Healthy

The Lakers really need to stay healthy next year. Injuries plagued both the starters and the bench of the Lakers. Chris Mihm missed the whole season, Kwame Brown missed half the Season, and Luke Walton missed 22 games. In order for the Lakers to even compete this year, they will have to have all of their players playing at full force.

Prediction

The Lakers haven't made any huge splashes this year. Based on the body language of Kobe, it doesn't seem like the Lakers have improved all that greatly. I expect them to barely squeak in the playoffs again this year, and probably get swept in the first round. If the Lakers want to be a great force in the NBA, they will have to sign a big-man who can finish with power and serve as a defensive threat in the key